Friday, May 27, 2016

Book Review: Plated: Weeknight Dinners, Weekend Feasts, and Everything in Between



The more than 125 inventive, repertoire-building recipes in Plated will help you cook and eat food you love without having to think so hard about it. Every dish here will work no matter how much (or little) time you have to cook, whether it’s quick dinner on a Monday for two or a backyard barbecue for a crowd.  The recipes are all rooted in a core technique—think One-Pan Roasted Chicken, Slow-Simmered Turkey Chili, or Cheesy Baked Penne—but can also be customized according to peak produce and just what you’re in the mood for. Step-by-step prep instructions and menu ideas take the stress out of cooking, so you know exactly what to do and when. Here, too, are ways for you to stretch these recipes, like basic marinades and spice rubs that can be used on almost anything, reinventions for leftovers, big-batch make-aheads, company-worthy feasts, and perfect sides. Plated is sure to become a well-loved, sauce-splattered staple in your kitchen.


My Thoughts:
This cookbook is absolutely amazing! It was written for any type of cook from beginner to well seasoned cooks who want to give something new a try. 

It's no surprise that I love to cook, but I also love the ability to change up recipes by season. The photos are breathtakingly beautiful.Thought I've never heard of "Plated", but after researching and reading other reviews I have found this book to be very consistent with their easy to follow recipes. 

I plan to add this book to my collection of cookbooks, but also purchase a copy to give as a gift to a friend. 

Disclaimer- I received this book free in exchange for my honest review.

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Book Review: Wonderland: A Coloring Book Inspired by Alice's Adventures




Follow the White Rabbit into this imaginative coloring book inspired by Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, featuring intricate pen-and-ink drawings by acclaimed artist Amily Shen. Meet the Cheshire Cat, attend the Mad Hatter's tea party, and play croquet with the Queen of Hearts in this evocative tale that invites you into a strange and beautiful new world of coloring.







My Thoughts-

My oldest daugter is a big fan of Alice in Wonderland, so I thought this coloring book would be a nice "just because" gift for her.  “Wonderland” has a really fun and different take on the illustrations compared to other Adult coloring books I've seen. In this book, Alice has an updated and trendy look...which I found a bit weird, but my daughter said she is cute, so I suppose it's "cute". The artist (Amily Shen) has put her spin on the story.

The book is both a coloring book (in chapters) and an activity book. 

"Wonderland" has 76 pages of coloring and activity & is broken into 9 chapters and each of the chapter title pages has a decorated china plate for coloring


*Disclaimer*
I received this book free from blogging for books in exchange for my honest review. 

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Book Review: Malibu Farm Cookbook: Recipes from the California Coast |One of my new favorite Cookbooks, can't wait to cook my way through it!




Situated at the end of the pier, Malibu Farm is a restaurant beloved for its spectacular Pacific Ocean views, the freshly sourced ingredients on its ever-changing menu, and its warm vibe. Chef-owner Helene Henderson opened the space after the once-intimate dinners she hosted on the grounds of her home grew too large. Now, in 
Malibu Farm Cookbook, she invites you celebrate the coast and mountains of Southern California with dishes like Ricotta and Pea Frittata, Butterfly Beef Tenderloin with Horseradish, Seared Fava Beans, and Grilled Chocolate Cake with Caramel Sauce. Helene captures the spirit of her own farm with recipes using the morning’s fresh eggs, the catch of the day, the luscious vegetables that grow all around, honey harvested steps from where it’s enjoyed, and olive oil straight from her grove.  Punctuated with luscious, vibrant photography, Malibu Farm Cookbook is a stunning sensory experience that transports you right to the edge of the Pacific.


My Thoughts:

I love this cookbook, oh who am I kidding...I love just about ALL cookbooks. I couldwan't it for the “Malibu Farm Cookbook” to arrive. I must say it has quickly become one of my favorite cookbooks.  I have read this book cover to cover and I am really inspired..and hungry. Every recipe in this book is simple yet gourmet,using the freshest of ingredients from Southern California.

Disclaimer:
I received this book free from bloggingforbooks.org in exchange for my honest opinion.